Iran frees Filipino seafarer seized at Strait of Hormuz

at the Department of Foreign Affairs who spared no efforts to secure the release of our brave seafarer,” said Cacdac in a statement released on Friday. “The DMW will continue working with the DFA, the ship agent and licensed manning agency to secure the release of the three Filipino crew men who remain in the custody of Iranian authorities,” he added.

The seafarer’s return came after he and six other crew members, including an Estonian and five Indian nationals, were freed on May 9.

“The Philippines welcomes the good news that one of the four Filipino seamen at the MSC Aries has been released and is arriving home later today,” DFA said in a statement. “We appreciate Iran’s gesture and the intercession of India in this matter.”

The MSC Aries was boarded and held by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard on April 13 as it was crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Its crew was composed of 25 seafarers, including four Filipinos.

Cacdac said they are keeping in touch with the families of three other Filipino seafarers as part of the efforts to assure them that the government is doing everything to ensure the safety of their kin.

“In compliance with the President’s directive, the DMW and its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is in touch with the families of all the crewmen, assuring them of the government’s full support and assistance during this difficult time,” said Cacdac.

The DFA had earlier promised that “no efforts will be spared to have [the Filipino seafarers] released and returned home as soon as possible.”

“Advancing the welfare of our seafarers and other overseas nationals is an ongoing commitment of the administration of President Bongbong Marcos,” DFA said.